There are at least three reasons why you should take good care of your fingernails. First, well maintained nails make your hands look more beautiful and elegant. If you are suffering from the latest nail art craze, then having trimmed and well groomed nails is a must. Secondly, clean hands and nails prevent the spread of germs and help you stay healthy. Finally, one look at your nails can help a doctor tell what your general health status is. Nails tell a lot about your style, your personal hygiene habits, and your health, so do not neglect them.

Here are 5 tips on how to have gorgeous fingernails without too much trouble:

1. Keep fingernails dry and clean

Keep your fingernails clean to prevent bacteria from forming under them. Soak your hands in soapy water and brush gently around and under your nails. Moisture also allows the bacteria to grow, and prolonged contact with water makes the nails brittle and cause cuticles to crack. Not to mention that harsh chemicals weaken the nails and make them split. Always keep the nails dry by wiping your hands with a cotton towel or by wearing gloves when washing dishes, cleaning your house, working in garden, or using any detergents.

2. Use moisturizer

While applying hand lotion, make sure to rub the lotion into your nails and cuticles as well. While at it, take some time to massage your hands and especially your fingertips. This will stimulate blood circulation and improve the growth of your nails. Any hand lotion or moisturizer would do, or simply use pure olive oil or jojoba oil as great moisturizers and nutrients. Get into habit of massaging your nails at least once a week.

3. Apply a protective layer

Brittle and paper-thin nails break more easily. To restore strength to your nails, first consider giving them a rest from nail polishes. Instead, apply clear nail polish that also has nail hardening properties. Most hardeners provide the glossy look to your nails, so as long as you keep the dirt away, your nails will still look pretty.

4. Vitamins for Greater Nail Strength

Vitamins facilitate the processing of proteins, which in turn keep hangnails at bay. Vitamin B deficiency may lead to ridges and brittle nails. Biotin, which is a member of the B-complex of vitamins, is essential for nail health and is used to treat split-prone nails. Regularly eating egg yolks, soy beans and whole grains should provide you with sufficient amounts of biotin. Another option are biotin supplements. Vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen – the building block of nails. Lack of vitamin C will slow down your nails’ growth. To avoid this, eat a lot of berries, peppers, greens, and citrus fruits. Finally, vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and there are no strong nails without calcium.

5. Minerals for Greater Nail Strength

We’ve already mentioned calcium which is needed to avoid brittle nails, discoloration, and chipping, and for nail growth. best way to get calcium, Although diet is the best option, there are some other options, for example calcium supplements which can be a good alternative.

In addition to calcium, iron prevents discoloration and occurrence of ridges. That whitish, crescent shape at the base of your nails might indicate inadequate iron intake. Dried fruits, chickpeas, beans and dark leafy veggies are a rich source of iron. Zinc contributes to your immune system, and your overall health, which directly impacts the health of your nails. Try eating more zinc abundant foods like fish, meat, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds.

Are you taking good care of your nails, or do you neglect them in your daily beauty routine?